Associate Director of Programming

Associate Director of Programming

Cincinnati Nature Center is seeking a strategic leader to drive visitor engagement.

The Associate Director of Programming will have the opportunity to lead our innovative programming efforts, ensuring that members and visitors are provided with experiences that make the wonders of the natural world come alive. You will provide strategic oversight to a team of fun, dedicated, and knowledgeable staff who share a love for the natural world and helping others discover it.

What You’ll Do: Provide an overall program strategy that supports the mission and will inspire visitors of all ages to learn about local ecosystems, conservation, and the natural world. Collaborate with educational partners, local communities, and volunteers to grow our impact. Bring fresh, out-of-the-box ideas to the table, this is your chance to get creative! Manage and mentor an enthusiastic programming team.

What We’re Looking For: Proven experience with leading strategic efforts. Solid analytical skills that will be used to make programming decisions. Strong inter-departmental work habits. Ability to align organizational needs and departmental needs. Must have operational and educational experience; interpretive experience is a plus. An experienced and highly organized leader who can successfully manage a team of professionals with a collaborative style, , and a fun entrepreneurial spirit. Candidates must be committed to the Nature Center’s mission, personable, highly organized, articulate, and have a sense of humor.  A bachelor’s degree or advanced degree and an excellent command of the English language are required. 

If you’re ready to be part of a team that’s all about fostering a love of nature, apply today and let’s get the next great outdoor adventure started!

Cincinnati Nature Center, founded in 1965, is a nationally recognized leader in environmental education and conservation with: 18,000 member households, over 300,000 visitors per year, 120+ regular staff, 400+ dedicated volunteers, a $7M operating budget, a strong endowment, and two properties in Clermont County east of Cincinnati totaling about 1,800 acres.  For more information go to: www.CincyNature.org

The position is currently open and will be filled as soon as the right candidate is found. 

To apply Click Here or visit www.CincyNature.org.  Please include a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and qualifications when applying.   

Cincinnati Nature Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to fair employment practices including conducting business without discrimination based on

race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, and any other protected class.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Associate Director of Programs supports the Director of Operations and Engagement by supervising all program team managers and interns. This includes providing data-driven strategic oversight of programs led by the team, seeking opportunities for the team to increase efficiency and effectiveness, and ensuring that program staff are focused on organizational goals which directly impact CNC’s mission. This seasoned leader will seek opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other departments to ensure that programs support both the mission and revenue goals of the organization.

Supervisor Responsibilities:

• 4-5 full-time Program Managers
• Environmental Education Interpretive Interns

KEY RESPONSBILITIES

STRATEGY & ADMINISTRATION (70%):

• Provide overall program strategy ensuring alignment with CNC’s mission and organizational objectives, including participation, revenue, and mission-driven goals.
• Utilize program evaluation methods and consistent data collection to report on program outcomes and impact while identifying opportunities for new program development and improvement of existing program performance, effectiveness, and participant satisfaction. This includes using data to help determine actions and programs.
• Develop and maintain budgets in alignment with organization’s mission and broader objectives.
• Work collaboratively to ensure all visitors and members are served appropriately.
• Blend and support conservation, events, rentals, development and applied learning program goals into the operations.
• Ensure compliance with all accreditation and safety standards.
• Collaborate with marketing department to develop interpretive themes to share with media outlets.
• Work and communicate effectively with other departments, leadership, and peers; attend and participate in meetings; complete required training.

PEOPLE MANAGEMENT (30%):

• Lead, hire, manage, and mentor program managers, providing guidance and professional development opportunities and oversee evaluation and training of all program staff as necessary.
• Oversee the Environmental Education Interpretive Intern program with assistance from others throughout the organization
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing culture within the program team.
• Resolve employee conflicts/disputes together with human resources.

These job responsibilities represent only the essential and most significant duties of the position.

This job description does not exclude other work assignments, directives and responsibilities not mentioned herein.

REQUIRED  SKILLS AND ABILITIES

SKILLS

• Extensive leadership and supervisory experience
• Working knowledge of natural history
• Ability to request, measure, and analyze data to make informed decisions
• Comfortable with public speaking
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office including the use of Outlook
• Willingness and ability to learn other software as needed
• Use of copy machines, postage machines, telephone, and other general office equipment
• Proficient in the fields of Environmental Education and Interpretation with relevant certifications preferred
• Collaborative working style utilizing strong organzational and customer service skills
• Strong facilitation skills to ensure efficient and empowering meetings

ABILITIES

• Be a passionate advocate for nature to articulate the mission of Cincinnati Nature Center
• Utilize storytelling to connect with guests
• Communicate effectively and professionally including oral, written, and listening methods
• Manage time and multiple priorities to meet deadlines
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external contacts
• Exhibit good judgement, honesty, integrity, and responsibility

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in science, environmental education, or related field
• Master’s degree in science, environmental education, or related field preferred
• Minimum of five years managing a department – preferably 8-10

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires the following physical activities: pushing, pulling, climbing, bending, stooping, kneeling, twisting, reaching, sitting, standing, walking, lifting, finger dexterity, grasping, repetitive motions, talking, hearing and visual acuity.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is primarily performed on-site, indoors in an office environment and outdoors in the nature preserve. Occasional remote work acceptable.
• Outdoor work may be performed in both hot and/or cold environments (all seasons).
• Local travel may be required. Some travel to regional conferences may be required. When a Nature Center vehicle is not available, the use of personal vehicle (reimbursed at IRS recommended rate) may be needed for Cincinnati Nature Center business.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL POSITIONS

• Mission Support: Inspiring Conservation through personal experiences, education, and care for the land.
• Essential Qualities: Must enjoy nature, be energized by finding creative solutions, and possess a sense of humor, creativity, and an entrepreneurial spirit.
• Background Checks:Employment is contingent upon the successful outcome of BCI and FBI background checks. Background checks are conducted in compliance with applicable federal and state law, under code 5104.013.
• CPR & First Aid:Certification must be obtained and maintained throughout employment.
• Professional Learning, Development, and Required Training: Employees shall engage in ongoing professional learning and development as well as complete ongoing required training relevant to safety, certification, and best business practices.
• Special Events: From time to time, employees shall be required to support special events which may fall outside of the normal work schedule including weekends/evenings.